Brittany's best beaches to head for in summer 2016

Posted 19/07/2016

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With a coastline over 700 miles long, Brittany's seashore is scattered with spectacular sandy beaches, secluded rocky coves and beautiful rock formations crafted by the sea from millenia-old granite. Whether you want fine white sands hidden away where only the locals visit, long stretches of sandy shoreline with kids' clubs and activities or a quiet pebble beach for a scenic stroll, Brittany has every kind of beach that you could wish for.

Beach at Ile Vierge

Hidden away on an island just off the coast of the Crozon Peninsula is a beach often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe. With its Mediterranean feel, this secluded cove and its pebble beach on Ile Vierge is a real gem.

Clear turquoise waters and pretty pebbles are just some of the attractions. Steep cliffs covered in forests of maritime pines, a natural archway carved from the rock to get down to the beach and great views of the peninsula are some more reasons to visit. And getting there is part of the fun too - you can kayak out to the island or take the catamaran.

Tahiti Beach at Nevez

Raguenez beach is known as Tahiti beach by the locals because of its outstanding white sands and crystal clear blue waters. Popular mainly with locals rather than tourists, it really is one of the most stunning beaches in the area and is perfect for a stroll or some sunbathing. Families will enjoy the expanse of sand but the beach is unsupervised.

Plage de l'Herlin at Belle-Ile

If you're popping over to the island for a day trip, make sure you spend some time enjoying the sunshine here! A great beach for families on the beautiful island of Belle-Ile and supervised in July and August, this golden sandy beach lies at the bottom of three valleys where they form a ria as they reach the sea.

Uncrowded and wild, the beach is a short walk from the car park so you have a real feeling of seclusion where you can enjoy nature undisturbed.

Plage de l'Ecluse at Dinard

Elegant Dinard has been a popular seaside destination for more than a century - and when you see its main beach, it isn't difficult to understand why. Instantly recognisable by its quaint blue and white beach huts that hark back to the bygone age of the sophisticated Belle Epoque era, the Plage de l'Ecluse is in the centre of town and is popular all year round.

A large, sheltered beach covered in fine golden sands, its central location means you're close to shops, cafés and restaurant terraces - even a casino and an Olympic-sized swimming pool too! There's also a seawater pool, where you can enjoy the seawater without worrying about the currents so it's especially good for keeping an eye on the kids.

Plage de Saint Guirec at Ploumanac'h

A stunning beach that you will not forget, the Plage de Saint Guirec is famed for its gorgeous pink granite rock formations. Huge rose-tinted boulders stack up all around a charming golden beach and just out in the water lies an island topped with a fairy tale castle. That's what I call picturesque!

With free parking nearby and kids clubs in the summer, this safe, supervised beach is a hit with families. The town of Perros Guirec is nearby and is a popular holiday destination with its pretty harbour and lots of water sports opportunities.

What are your favourite beaches in Brittany that we've missed? Let us know in the comments below.